Well, I'm told I was invisible on TV. The flag showed, but the regular flagman was standing next to me and all you could see was him. Still, I had a blast! Didn't drop the flag and the race actually started.
They let me stay in the flagstand for several laps, which was awesome. When the cars passed under me, it was like looking into a blender and watching the ingredients for a smoothie all stirring together--just a blur of color, with one car indistinguishable from the next. And then the wall of air hit (and pieces of rubber and dirt and all sorts of junk). The guys told me to take my hat off so I wouldn't lose it, and I'm glad I did (although my employer wanted me to wear it, as it had our logo on it).
Later, I got to be in the winner's circle when we presented Kevin Harvick his trophy. That was cool. Two of my co-workers stood with me.
It was so awesome being shuffled around by track "handlers" like royalty. I went everywhere in a golf cart and had access to just about everything. Then I went back last night for the Cup race and had even more fun (because this time I was just spectating). Courtesy of General Mills (a company with which my grocery employer does much business), Richard Petty and Bobby Labonte came to our suite and did some autographs. Later, two gals from General Mills took my buddy and me into the infield with "hot passes" and we stood in the Cheerios pit for about 100 laps. We stood right there during two pit stops. Fantastic.
At one point, one of the General Mills gals looked at me and asked, "Want some hot lugnuts?" (Yes, that probably is the weirdest question anyone's ever asked me.) She went to a crew member, who walked over and handed me six scalding lugnuts wrapped in a paper towel.
So I didn't turn into a celebrity, but I had a good time. Sorry I wasn't more visible. The track took a bunch of photos, though, so if I get 'em, I'll share.
arty: :cheers
